Word
boon
US/ˈbun/
UK/bˈuːn/
Definitions
01a benefit
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Formal
n. something very helpful that makes your life easier or solves a problem.
n. a timely benefit or blessing that proves helpful or advantageous. Often used in the construction 'a boon to/for'.
“The new high-speed internet has been a real boon for people working from home.”
“The sudden drop in interest rates proved to be a significant boon for small businesses struggling to manage their existing debts.”
Usage
Usually functions as a countable noun and is frequently followed by the prepositions 'to' or 'for'.
Antonyms
02a favor or gift
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Literary
n. a special gift or a favor that someone asks for or gives.
n. a favor or request that is granted; a gift or benefaction bestowed upon someone.
“In the old story, the king granted the knight one boon for his bravery.”
“The legendary hero travelled to the mountain temple to ask a boon of the gods, hoping for the strength to save his village.”
Teaching tip
This sense is mostly found in mythology, folklore, or high-fantasy literature; it is rarely used in modern daily conversation.
03close or jolly
C2 · Proficiency Literary · Archaic
adj. used to describe a very close friend who you enjoy spending time with.
adj. convivial, jolly, or merry; almost exclusively used in the fixed phrase 'boon companion' to describe a close friend.
“The two men had been boon companions since their university days.”
“Despite their differing political views, they remained boon companions, spending every Sunday afternoon at the local social club.”
Usage
In modern English, this adjective is rarely used outside of the set idiom 'boon companion'.
Real-World Examples
“So, getting Starship back in one piece is a boon.” “This extraordinary diversity could be a boon for medicine.” Etymology
From Middle English boon (“prayer”), from Old Norse bón (“prayer, petition”), from Proto-Germanic *bōniz (“supplication”), influenced by boon (“good, favorable”, adjective). Doublet of ben; see there for more.
From Middle English boon, bone, borrowed from Old Northern French boon, from Old French bon (“good”), from Latin bonus (“good”), from Old Latin duonus, dvenos, from Proto-Indo-European *dū- (“to respect”).
From Middle English bone (“reed, stem, husk”), akin to or alteration of Old English bune (“reed; drinking cup”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Idioms
02. boon and bane
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/boon